‘Cold War’ takes home top Hong Kong Film Awards

HONG KONG (AP) — “Cold War” got a red-hot reception at the Hong Kong Film Awards, winning best film and eight other trophies.

The cop thriller starring Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Ka Fai won nine trophies out of its 12 nominations. Detective film “The Bullet Vanishes” also had 12 nominations but went home empty-handed Saturday night.

Leung won his fourth best actor trophy. On stage, he thanked everyone who worked on “Cold War” and said he would thank his wife later in his “own way.”

On the red carpet before the ceremony, wife Carina Lau had said Leung was her pick for best actor. “I’m here, so I’m his lucky star. I’m going to put my money on him for selfish reasons,” she said.

Backstage, Leung said he wanted to share the award with “Cold War” producer Bill Kong, who “single-handedly made the film possible.

“He talked to every cast member, and he was on the set every day. He took a leap of faith with the two new directors,” Leung said. “There would be no ‘Cold War’ without Bill.”

Among the film’s other awards, first-time directors Longman Leung and Sunny Luk won best director and best screenplay, and Alex Tsui was named best new performer.

Although Kwok wasn’t nominated for his “Cold War” performance, he said backstage he couldn’t be more proud of his cast mates and the crew and he can’t wait to work on the sequel.

Miriam Yeung, wearing a red-sequined gown, admitted to a case of nerves when she claimed her first best actress award for the romantic comedy “Love in the Buff.” She said backstage she forgot to thank her co-star Shawn Yue while on stage.

“If there’s no Jimmy, there wouldn’t be a Cherie,” she said of their characters. “He delivered an excellent performance and that helped me to get into character. He gave me a real feeling of falling in love, which resonated with many people.”

She apologized for forgetting to mention him, then added: “Shawn, please don’t be mad at me.”

In other awards, Dada Chan was named best supporting actress for “Vulgaria” and action superstar Jackie Chan took home the best action choreography award for “Chinese Zodiac.” Chan said it was his eighth win in that category at the Hong Kong Film Awards, which were in their 32nd year.